Luke 13:6-9.                        “Another chance’ for another year!                          31/12/17

(6)  Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. {7} So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?' {8} "'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. {9} If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

Here we are again at the end of one year and the beginning of another. They continue to roll on, one after another. The older one gets the quicker they seem to go; and perhaps the more that we give little thought to their passing.

Yet here again we do give some thought to the past year – whether it was good or bad. Things to be thankful for, and challenges we think we could have done without. Things done that we shouldn’t have done, and things not done that should have been. New life come into our lives, and others that have passed on. So much has happened in the course of this past year.

Overall each one of us will have different perceptions of the year past. But I am sure that we all have much to be thankful for and we have our disappointments and sadnesses. That is life for us all.

The same then goes for the year ahead. We know not what it has in store for us. As much as we might be looking to this coming year with longing and hope, we know that it too will have its ups and downs; its joys and sorrows.

To top it all off, we have here a reading that cuts right to the bone. Yes, it is only a parable – a story – and we might like to pass over it very quickly. Yet here we have a message from God that is vital for us to ponder over, and find encouragement in. As we contemplate the end of one year and the beginning of another, we have here an important message for us.

As God has looked over this past year in our lives, what does he see? A nice-looking tree, seemingly fresh and green; or an old withered, gnarly tree, but still alive and going. But where is the fruit? Nothing much to show for another year in this world. Lots of activity, but nothing much worthwhile achieved. What is the point of letting them continue on? Why should they use up valuable space here on this earth?

But no, what do we hear instead: 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it.  If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.' How amazing is that! Another chance for another year. No, more than that he will tend and feed them and do all that He can in order for that fruit to be there next year.

With that in mind we need to consider the question; What is this fruit that he is looking for?

Now straight away most would say that it is all about ‘good deeds’ – it is about love and care and all that kind of thing. So how can he say that he could not find any fruit on the tree. Obviously, he is not talking about me. But even many of those completely outside of the church can be just as ‘good’ as those on the inside. We like the idea that this fruit, is the things that we do.

Then at least we do have something to show in our lives. Yet the Scriptures are quite clear that our best is as a filthy pair of underpants. Anything less than perfection is not acceptable. So even on that score we are left with no fruit to speak of.

On top of that we are reminded in the Bible of that real struggle we have to produce the good deeds that are required. What does Paul say in Romans:  I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Our sinful, selfish human nature is constantly messing things up. So when we look to ourselves there is no real fruit to speak of.

So where does that leave us. In big trouble. Definitely needing the chop. However, this is not what God had in mind, so he seeks to dig around us and feed us with the fertilizer that we need. He seeks to do in and through us, what we cannot do ourselves.

First and foremost, that is that he came to die on the cross so that we might be forgiven. He draws us to himself through baptism so that he can join us to himself so that we can have new life and all that we need in order to bear fruit.

Then through Holy Communion he gives us his very body and blood so that we can be reassured again and again the he forgives us for our failures. But there he also gives himself so that we can be sure that he is right there with us as we go through life every day. Through his Word he continues to feed us with all that we need in order to stay connected to him so that he can work in and through us to produce his fruit.

I guess, then the question has to be, do we want this feeding and nurturing that God has for us? Or do we want to close ourselves off from and push away this wondrous help that he has made available to us. Do we want to produce this fruit that is good, or do we want to continue to live as we please, irrespective of the outcome?

Surely though, this parable is very clear that if that is our choice, then we best be prepared for the end result. The axe is ready, and the fire is sure. If there is no fruit the message is clear.

But to the question then, what is this fruit that he is looking for? Surely then in light of all of this, it is repentance and faith. It is a recognition that we are not the people that we should be and that from within ourselves we can do nothing to right the situation. No matter how hard we try, we cannot and will not be good enough. We need help from outside of ourselves.

That then means we will look to the one sure hope that we have. And that, is all connected up to this Jesus Christ and his death on the cross. We will look to God as our one sure hope for us as we go forward. He alone is the way and the truth and the life. He alone has the forgiveness and the wherewithal for us to be the people that he would want us to be.

So that is where faith comes. We will trust that he alone can make us be what he wants us to be. He alone can truly forgive. He alone can help us to stand. And he alone can work the fruit that is needed. That is what he has promised; and so we will look to him and trust the he will do it.

He wants to and will lead us then to regularly gather in his presence. He will give us what we need through Word and Sacrament to remain strong. He will be with us as we go about our daily lives. He will continually remind us of all that is good and helpful for us. In connection with him we will flourish and bear fruit.

So, the only thing that can go wrong will be if we choose to reject and turn our backs on this food and nurture that he has for us. He is here, and he has all that we need, so it would be stupid of us to not avail ourselves of it all. So also we need to ensure that the devil, the world and our sinful selves, do not distract us and keep us so busy that God is not able to do what he has promised to do.

So, as we conclude this year and set out into the year ahead may we be ever mindful of this parable and the truths that it imparts to us. In and of ourselves we are barren and fruitless. But as we turn away from our selves and look to Jesus Christ we will find all the nurture and food that we need in order to be able to go forward boldly and confidently. As we look to him and seek to remain in him, we are already bearing the fruit that he is looking for. Then he will help us to do those other good deeds; such and love and care for others. He will work that all in and through us. To him then will be all glory and honour, now and forever. Amen.

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Galatians 4:4-7.                                 God’s adopted children!!!!                          31/12/17

⁴ But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. ⁶ Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Today here in this reading we are reminded again of another great gift that has been given to us, as a result of Christmas. Something that is truly remarkable, and life-changing has been extended to us. Here is a gift that really does make a difference to each and every day of the rest of our lives.

Now I hope, and I am sure, that you all got some special gifts on Christmas day. Some would have been very nice and brought you some happiness. Others that you will use in the days and perhaps even years ahead. Some that were nice and quickly eaten or used and soon forgotten. Above all you would have appreciated the thoughts and the relationship that was there in the giver of those gifts.

There is something special about the giving and receiving of gifts that goes beyond the day and even the gift. The on-going relationship that goes with the gift is special and the giving and receiving enhances and maintains that relationship.

Here this morning God is reminding us a special gift that he has for us that does the same thing; but in an even more valuable and significant way. As a result of Jesus’ coming into our world all those years ago, he made it possible for us to be adopted into God’s family. That is God’s gift to us as a result of Christmas.

Now what an amazing gift that is for us. God choosing to do what was necessary for us to be a part of his family forever. Surely this is the very best that could happen to us. This is life changing and life giving for our lives. If we take that seriously life will never be the same – for the better.

To begin with, we know that because of our sin and selfishness, we have brought all kinds of troubles and hardships on ourselves and one another. But even more significant is that this rebellion against God has destroyed our relationship with him. We are thereby not able to come into his presence or be able to hold our heads up in our relationship with him.

Our relationship with him has put us in a place of slavery before him. We have to perform and do what he says to in any way please him. Not one of us can do what he has called for us to do in his Law. Our sinful, selfish nature will continually turn away from what he says and wants and put the focus on ourselves and what we want and do. But in end we are still nothing before him – there is no chance of us being able to earn an inheritance from him. So, we are in trouble.

Thank God however that he did not leave it at that. Instead, when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Now there is a sentence that is packed full of importance and significance.

It begins by stating that even though we had and have continually messed up, get had set about doing what was necessary for things to be made right once more. Already from the beginning he had a set plan and time to do what was necessary for things to be made right again. And all those Christmas’ ago that set time had fully come.

In the birth of Jesus God sent his Son into our world. So, the plan was that God himself would come to do what was necessary for us to be restored back into a right relationship with himself. To uphold his holiness however he had to take care of sin and its consequences. Punishment had to be served out for our rebellion. There had to be a perfect sacrifice take place for this to happen.

So, this Jesus, God’s Son, was born of a woman. He then, while he lived here on earth was fully human, just as we are. In Philippians chapter two we read that he made himself in every way just as we are, except for sin. The sacrifice for sin ha to be a perfect human being.

Then fully as a human being he was able to place himself under the Law. He subjected himself to live under and in accord with the Law, just as we are required to. However, at every turn, Satan sought to derail this plan and cause him to in some way sin. In the wilderness and in the Garden of Gethsemane we have just two of these many attempts. However, he did not succumb.

In this way he was then able to offer himself as that sacrifice which takes care of God’s holiness and justice. He then was able to redeem those under the law. He gave his life on the cross, taking the punishment that we deserve on himself. He thereby paid the price necessary for us to be bought back from death and hell.

All this he did so, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Did you hear that? He did all of this so that we might be able to be adopted back into God’s family. Jesus came at Christmas for the very purpose of enabling us to be restored back into a right relationship with God himself. How amazing is that?

At our baptisms then this adoption takes place. As we are brought to the baptismal font we are washed clean of our sin and joined to Jesus Christ and all that he did for us through his life, death and resurrection. There we were baptised into the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit: joined into God’s family and all that it is a and all that it stands for.

So, you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Our relationship with God then is not one of being in slave-ship. Doing things because we have to do them and so that we can remain in his ‘good books’. We are not simply employees who are there to carry out his bidding.

No, we are God’s children. Part of his family, which means that we are in a close personal relationship with him and he to us. We are able to talk to him as “Abba, Father.” As we would talk to our loving parents. But even more than that we are ‘in the family’. We are a part of all that that family is and stands for. Not just in status, but in its very being. We are God’s children. That is truly amazing and great.

But that also means that: since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. We have a part in all that God is and all that he stands for. Being a part of his family ensures that we have a certain inheritance in heaven where we will enjoy the very best of everything, for all eternity. So if we don’t turn our backs on this God we have in store for us that which is better than we could ever imagine possible.

What a Christmas gift! But do we really want that? Do we really want that relationship and inheritance? Or do we simply want that ‘goodies’ but not the God and the family that is all a part of it?  Do we think that we are all grown up and don’t need to listen to and be a part of the family – that we can still live by and for ourselves?

No, surely this is the very best that could ever happen to us. Surely, we know our weaknesses and failings, and so want all the help that being a part of the family can impart. Surely we don’t only want the ‘goodies’ but especially the God who is the giver. And surely seeing as to how good, great and loving that he is we will want to listen to and follow what is good for the family. We will want to do what he wants.

That then means we will take to heart what we are told here also. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

Because we are God’s children and because we know our weakness we will long for the Holy Spirit to help and guide as to living in the family. We will avail ourselves of all the opportunities available to receive this help. So regular worship will be an important part of life, as will other opportunities to read, hear and study his Word.

We will want to be in the presence of our parents and the rest of our family as much as we possibly can. There we will listen to; following the example of; and be encouraged and encouraging of one another, in the course of the family’s life. What is important to the family is what will be important to us. We will listen to and follow the directions of what is given to us for our good.

Yes, all this and more is a part of this great Christmas gift that has been extended to us. So, let us not put this gift on the shelf and give little thought and attention to it. Instead let us continually remind ourselves and one another of how great and important this gift is. Then make the most of that gift each and every day of the rest of our lives.

We have been adopted into God’s family; and so we are now a part of that which is truly the best that could ever happen to us. Jesus Christ and his coming all those years ago now means so much for us here and now as we live our lives every day. In connection with him we can now live with boldness and confidence. To him then be all glory and honour, now and forever AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Isaiah 52:7-10.                   Christmas joy???                                                                              25/12/17

⁷How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,  “Your God reigns!”
⁸ Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.
⁹ Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
¹⁰ The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

What a beautiful and glorious day we have here today. This is truly a day of immense happiness and joy. Christmas is a very special time for us, and a time that is meant to lift our spirits and give us peace and good will; joy and hope. This day lifts us beyond the mundane existence of our everyday world, and focusses us on far more important things in life.

It not just because the sun is shining and the birds are singing. In not because of the gifts that we received from ‘under the tree,’ and the prospects of a lovely Christmas lunch and a family get together.  These things that our world around us see as essential to Christmas, are mere side-shows and distractions.

Here today we are reminded that the real message is so much greater than these things. As good and valuable as these things are, they are nothing by comparison to what Christmas really is all about. We have that which is truly worth celebrating and sharing with the world around us. In fact, it is a message that the world needs to hear. It is good news: real, good news!

In the face of a world that is desperately trying to down-play the significance of the real message of Christmas, we have here that which truly is able to lift our spirits. Christmas is really about the birth of Jesus all those years ago in Israel. But is that really such a big deal? What has that got to do with life today, in the midst of all our other pressures of life? How do we know that it is not just a made up or twisted message? Even if it is true, what difference does it really make to our life today? After all, life is all about how we are to live our life here day in day out? All these questions and many others like it, throw all kinds of doubts as to whether this is really all that an important event. On top of that we have got too much else to think about.

Yet, it really is all that it is cracked up to be and far more. In this reading we have hints of the greatness of it all. This reading began with these words: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

What a beautiful picture we have here of messengers coming down out of the hill to bring news to a people that are in dire circumstances. They bring news of a rescue that is about to take place and to then establish them again as a people and a nation. The Good news that is given and is, that is received as such, is of peace, good tiding, salvation and God’s reign over them once more.

This is the best thing that could ever have happened to them. So, they themselves are over joyed by it all. They are jumping up and down; and the relief and joy on their faces was something to see. They knew have great this news was; so, they ran off and told others, who told others, who all celebrated with an intense relief and joy. This was life changing, even though it was yet to happen. But it was about to, and it did happen. This was huge!

Now for us here this Christmas this is even bigger and better still. Here in the birth of Jesus we have God coming to reign in this troubled, dying world of ours. We have God come to turn life upside down for us and to give us the very best of everything. To rescue us from Hell. In fact, to give us perfection and heaven that will go on and on forever.

This is absolutely, remarkable when we consider the situation that we as humans are in. Because we have, and all too often still do, refuse to listen to and take seriously God’s commands that he has given to, we have not only brought untold troubles, hardship and death on ourselves and one another. But we have also destroyed our relationship with God and deserve to be sent eternally to hell. This is how dire our situation really is, even if we prefer not to think about. Left to ourselves we are in big trouble, with no way out.

Except for the fact that Jesus did come all those Christmas’ ago. He came to take that curse away from us. He came to die in our place; taking the punishment that we deserve on himself. All so that we might be restored back into that original relationship with God and the perfection that we need; and for that to go on for all eternity.

Now if that is not the most needed and magnificent thing that could ever happen to us, then I don’t know what. We are loved by God: we are forgiven; we are assured of eternal life in heaven. This news surely overshadows all that is going on in this everyday life of ours today. This gives us a joy that super-cedes anything else that this Christmas presents.

With this Good News it changes our attitudes and lives here and now. Even though we cannot see the fruits of this salvation and hope, we know it is there for us, and so our life changes. There is meaning and purpose; there is a good reason to get on with life and do the very best we can at everything that we do. We do have a sure hope that in the end everything will work out for good. Eternity in heaven will far outweigh our short time of troubles here in this world.

Here remember again that this message is true and can be relied on. There is ample historical, and not just biblical, proof that this is all for real. Jesus lived at a particular point in history, that is a fact; he did die on the cross, and he did rise from the dead. Of these things we can be absolutely sure. All those Old Testament prophecies that were made hundreds and thousand of years before, all find their fulfilment in Jesus and his death and resurrection. Recent archaeological evidence all points to the fact that the bible is not some fanciful made up story. All this and more points to the fact that we can rely on this Good News being true and reliable.

So, Christmas does make all the difference in the world to our life here and now. No wonder it has been celebrated for all these years since his birth over two thousand years ago. The words of this reading have been evidenced through all that time.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,  “Your God reigns!”
⁸ Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy.
When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.
⁹ Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem,
for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.
¹⁰ The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations,
and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

As a result of this continued recognition of the great and joyous occasion, surely, we too are moved to once again take to heart the real meaning of Christmas and be overjoyed by it all. Here today we too have been focussed on that message which is truly Good News for us and for our world today. Surely, we too will be so overwhelmed by this news that we too will want to share with others this news that turns our world upside down. We too have heard the proclamation of peace and so be motivated to share that peace with others that we come into contact with.

We have been brought good tidings and the proclamation of salvation, so the depth and greatness of this will be evidenced to those around us. This all being true we now again know that God reigns here and now, in the midst of our sinful, broken world. This has to be the message that truly transcends everything else this Christmas; and that once gives us peace, hope and joy in the midst of our everyday life. This peace, hope and joy will overflow into our days, weeks, and years ahead.

Now once again we are reassured that we will see and be able to be a part of this great and joyous kingdom that Jesus Christ came to make possible all those years ago. So, we too can: Burst into songs of joy together, even though we are in the broken ruins of a society that has lost its way and facing difficult days ahead.

This Christmas we have heard again that: the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed us.  The Lord has laid bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

So, this Christmas has again become truly Christmas for us here. Yes, much of our world around us has lost this true focus and is grasping for some sort of meaning in these other secondary aspects of Christmas. But we now in our own way can be God’s messengers bringing this Good news to our world. May our feet be those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to our community, “Your God reigns!”

May the joy of Jesus Christ be with you, and go with you, as you go forward as his people in the days and years ahead. To him be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11.                            Good News in tough times!!!                         17/12/17

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,  to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,  and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour. ⁴ They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
⁸ “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. ⁹ Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

¹⁰ I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. ¹¹ For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.

Today in our present society we are told that we are the lucky country; that we have got it all; we just have to change some of our old-fashioned values and thinking and we will truly enjoy life. Yet all of us know that this is far from reality. Outwardly the gloss and glamour looks good; but underlying it, life for us all is a different story. The hurts, frustrations and tragedies of life are deep seated. Not to mention the lack of meaning, purpose and hope in life that is experienced by so many.

Even for us within the church and with our hope in the Lord Jesus Christ, as we look at the increasing decline in worship attendance and congregational life.  As we see a growing acceptance of teaching and practice that clearly goes against God’s teaching in the Bible. And as we are now facing an increasing hatred and pressure from many in our society that are seeking to do all that they can to destroy the church and any recognition of God almighty. We are under severe pressure and it is so easy for us to become disheartened.

We look to our world around, and we look within ourselves, and see very little to encourage us. In fact, it is all so discouraging. Or else we put on our ‘rose coloured glasses’ and try to pretend that all is okay. But even then, at some point reality still hits home. Things are not as good as we know they should be. In fact, they are far worse. And humanly speaking there is no way around it. Our sinful, selfish human nature will always mess things up; no matter how good the ideas and plans are.

However, it is right here into this situation we again have an important message from God Almighty himself, through the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

What an amazing Word to a people who are in deep trouble. Here we have not a few words of wishful thinking. This is God’s Word to his people. So, we have here words that can be relied on, no matter what the situation and the thinking of people. We have God telling us that he will turn everything upside down. No matter how bad things are, he will make things right.

We know that this is reliable because first and foremost it was spoken to the Jewish people while they were in captivity in Babylon. By all intents and purposes, they had lost everything but there lives: their homes, nation, their temple which was the presence of God amongst his people, and more. They had rejected and taken God for granted and he allowed them to be destroyed as a nation. Now they were slaves to and in a foreign nation, with no hope of recovery. There future was in complete tatters.

Yet, we know from history that only a short time later, God had made it possible for them to return to Jerusalem, to rebuild their temple and become a nation once more. True to his Word, and against all probability, it happened, and beyond anyone’s expectations. The captives were released and the broken-hearted were again lifted in spirit. They could lift up their spirits and get on with life, and set about rebuilding their nation. It all happened just as God had promised.

But even more importantly this prophecy finds its truest fulfilment in Jesus Christ and his life, death and resurrection. Here was the Sovereign Lord himself come into our world to not only proclaim good news to the poor, but to make it possible in the most remarkable and impossible manner. He was anointed by God himself, before the very beginning of time, for this very purpose.

He was set apart to restore us back to what was originally the purpose of as all. In the Garden of Eden, we were to live in a close personally relationship with him, enjoying the very best of everything. But we rebelled against him and chose to ignore him and what he has to say to us and instead do as we please. So, bringing all measure of troubles, hardship and death on ourselves. Especially we were therefore caste into darkness and separation from God himself.

However, God in his mercy set apart his own Son, Jesus, to make it possible for us to again be restored to the original glory that was meant to be ours. As he began his ministry he set about proclaiming good news to the poor. He healed the sick and broken hearted. He proclaimed freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. He proclaimed the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion. And he did what was necessary to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

All of this proclamation of his was not ‘hot air’ and empty words. It found its fullest application in this Jesus, and his life, death and resurrection. Here he really did what was necessary for us to be saved from the mess we have made for ourselves. Through his death on the cross he cancelled out the wrath of God against us as sinners. He destroyed the strangle hold that sin holds over us, and shattered the darkness that the reality of hell holds over us.

Then of course, he rose from the dead three days later so that we can be absolutely sure that all of this is for real. Now we can know that all who trust in him and are connected to him will now also rise to be with him in heaven. He has thereby bestowed on us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

So now it is possible for us to live with God in perfect harmony for all eternity. Now we too here today can be equally sure that these words and assurances are valid and true for us. Just as real as these words were for the Israelites and the people of Jesus day, so are they true for us.

Poor though we may be; whether that be monetarily, physically, emotionally or spiritually, we can rely on this Good News that is here again proclaimed to us today. In Jesus Christ our broken-hearts can find mending. We are loved and accepted no matter what the world around us says. There is meaning and purpose to our lives. There is one who cares about us and has a way forward that will ensure full peace, happiness and a perfect future. In connection with him this is in front of us.

Also In this Jesus Christ we can know that there is freedom for those who are caught up in the rat-race of life. Free from the burden of being trapped in the disasters of the economic, social and spiritual deceptions of the world. Even the abuses that we have experienced will be released from us, so that we no longer have to carry the shame and despair that have resulted. As we look to this Jesus this freedom and more is all there for us.

So, then the darkness that so often enshrouds us, we know that in Jesus there is release. No matter how dark life may be for us; whether it results from our failings and short-comings, or the troubles and disasters that are there in our lives; the light of Jesus shatters that darkness and shines a clear path all the way into heaven, where there will be no more crying, pain or death; just the very best of everything.

Irrespective of what we may think, feel or are told, now we can know that the Lord’s favour has been extended to us. His vengeance will take care of all the evil that surrounds us and traps us. So, whatever we face, or are concerned about Jesus has now ensured that nothing can separate us from his love and the future he has in store for us. In him there is comfort for all who mourn, in whatever way that might be.

In Jesus Christ then we can go forward with boldness and confidence. We can be sure that he bestows on us a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. The future is sure and positive now matter what we may see, feel or experience. Jesus Christ and his life, death and resurrection has ensured it.

So here today as we look forward to Christmas and another New Year we have great encouragement from our great and gracious God. In the face of a life and a world that is really far from good and positive, we have a great future to look forward to. We now have then something that we can be sure and hopeful about as we go forward in life.

So, let us continue to look to Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection. Let us trust that he does have it all in control. In the face of life, let us not be distracted our tempted to not take him all that seriously. Instead let us take every opportunity to stay close to him so that he can help us lift our eyes beyond the problems of life all around us. He has and will provide a positive future for us; if not in this life, especially in the next.

To our great God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit then be all glory and honour, now and for ever. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Mark 1:1-8.                                         Necessary preparation!!                                               10/12/17

(1)  The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. {2} It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"-- {3} "a voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" {4} And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. {5} The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. {6} John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. {7} And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. {8} I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Well here we are in the midst of another Advent season: Another year of preparation for Christmas; of things to do and be a part of, and be distracted by. On top of that it seems as though we have just come from last Christmas, as the days and years keep flying by. So, we get caught up in going with the routine of life, without really thinking too much about what it really is all about. We simply do what we have to without a lot of thought as to what it really is all about.

It is here in the midst of all of this that we are reminded of Christ's coming into our world to help us: to rescue us from the hopelessness and sin that we face in this world, and to save us from an eternity in Hell. Along with that reminder of God coming to be with us and rescuing us, is that call to prepare ourselves for his coming. We are to get ready for not just ‘Christmas’, but for the Lord's coming.

But so often it is here that we switch off. We have got enough to think about: enough to be involved in; without having to do anything about our own spiritual house. Yes, we know it is important, but later on; next year; some time. But not now! As for more preparations - what next! We have got enough on our minds already! Then we wonder why Christmas and Christianity has lost its meaning for us.

Now look, if you were going to go on a trip around Australia, you very much know that you have to prepare carefully: The vehicle and caravan to be checked over thoroughly and packed with everything necessary for whatever might happen; and many other things. None of us would even remotely have thought of doing all of this the day before. We all would be getting prepared and organised well ahead of time.

The same goes for you ladies - with Christmas coming up and knowing that you are having a house full over Christmas, and as busy as you are with everything else: how many of you still wouldn't take great pains to getting the house tidy and lots of other preparations done. I am sure for many of you, you would have sleepless nights before letting any of those things go undone. And I could go on with many other examples as well.

But when we are reminded of Christ's coming to us, I wonder if the same priority is given to our preparations for him. Now if you knew Jesus was coming - for real this Christmas, and that he was going to come and spend some time with you personally: that he would then go with you as you go about your everyday life as a real life person. What sorts of changes and preparations would take place in your life; as busy as you are with whatever?

For instance, would you be happy with; or more importantly would our Lord be happy with, some of the language you use; or the business deals you do; or the little white lies you tell; or perhaps your missing Church on Sunday morning because it is only a reading service or because you have got a game of sport to play, or you want to do some cooking for some other friends who are coming to lunch. If the Lord Jesus were standing alongside you everyday, wouldn't there be some changes take place in the things you say, do or think?        I'm sure there would be.

Yes, if we knew for sure Jesus was coming to us this Christmas, I am sure many of us would have a dramatic change of heart. We would have a different attitude toward, who and what, was important in life: Our priorities and lifestyles in many cases would be considerably different. The importance and greatness of our Lord and what he has to say to us would become a far greater priority to our everyday life than it is at present. Yes, to know that he is coming to be with us for real, would mean for all us that there would be great changes to our lives.

Now of course we know John the Baptist’s message was that Jesus is coming. Christmas also reminds us of his coming into our world to be with his people. Here we need to remember that is a past event - in other words - Christ has come: he has entered our world. But he also has given us the promise that he is with us now, always: that his Spirit is with us now and every day of our lives. Yes, that is right: The Lord Jesus is now with you and goes with you as you live, work and play, every day. He is with you even though you may not be able to see him.

Woops! Yes, he is with us for real every day. Also remember that reading we had a few weeks ago, where we were reminded that Jesus is there in the hungry, thirsty, sick and imprisoned. At the same time wherever there is another Christian, there also stands the Lord Jesus Christ. As well, we have the baptismal font and the Lord’s Supper as constant reminders that our Lord is with us every day; that he is always near at hand.

So yes, in light of what was said earlier, woops! We have mucked up, rather badly haven't we? As the OT reading suggested; ‘we are like grass,’ and our own glory has again faded and deserted us. We are again brought to the realization that on our own we are in big trouble, because we ignore God's presence with us again and again: that we fail over and over again. The present world crisis is further evidence of this.

But in coming to this realization that we have failed, we are again turned away from ourselves to the Lord Jesus, and given hope for the future. In our failures, our lives are re-directed back to where they should be. Our thoughts are turned back to the Gospel: back to the Good News of Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection: back to the importance of God for all of life. We are reminded of our baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and that there, all of our failings and all sin is washed clean, and that we are made a member of God’s family.

So, having that assurance of the absolute certainty of forgiveness, we can go forward again to live and be the people that God would have us be. We are reminded also, that at our baptism God's Spirit enters our lives and goes with us always to help, guide and direct us in our living as his people; but in particular he is there constantly seeking to point us to the Lord Jesus Christ and his presence and activity in our lives: and that all of this is more important than our money, material possessions and earthly pleasures.

Here remember also that John is hinting quite strongly that this Jesus is truly the great one in life. He is more important than anything else in life. Alongside of which we are completely unworthy to be in his presence. As John says we are not even worthy of untying his shoelaces. Yet he comes into our world to lift us up and make us worthy once more to be in his presence.

So, this repentance – this preparation for the coming of Jesus, entails us turning away from our inward focus on our own lives. We have and are nothing that enables us to be in his presence. So, we turn away from ourselves to the help and hope that this great one has to offer. So, our Christmas preparation entails turning away from ourselves and our self-centredness. It is the earnest desire to receive the only help and hope that we really have in this life: Jesus Christ and the forgiveness and hope that he extends to us.

That is the message of Christmas: God come to be with us and to save us: to live with us and bring eternal life to us. Surely that has to be the best thing that has ever, and can ever, happen to us.  There we have something that is really special: a real Christmas gift. A truly great guest comes into our lives, homes and communities. Now if that is not more important than shrinking finances, the Christmas dinner, sport or anything else, then I don't know what. That would surely have to be the best thing that could ever happen in our lives.

And since it has happened to us - that Christ is with us – let us go out from here and make this Advent season what it is intended to be: a time of preparation – of, in a sense, a cleaning up of our spiritual house; of remembering that which is truly important in life. And in particular of a re-focussing of our hearts, minds and lives on the Lord Jesus Christ; and a re-affirming of the importance and reality of his presence and activity in everything we say and do. It is there that we will find the real joy of Christmas and the peace and goodwill that we all need.

So, I pray that our gracious Lord will be with you and go with you now and always. AMEN.

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore/Underdale Lutheran Parish

Mark 13:24-37.                  Watch – Christ is coming!!                                            3/12/17

²⁴ “But in those days, following that distress,

“‘the sun will be darkened,
    and the moon will not give its light;
²⁵ the stars will fall from the sky,
    and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

²⁶ “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. ²⁷ And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

²⁸ “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. ²⁹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. ³⁰ Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³¹ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

³² “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. ³⁴ It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

³⁵ “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. ³⁶ If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. ³⁷ What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Here this morning in this reading God is reaching right into this world of ours today. Here he is seeking to both challenge us and encourage us in the midst of a life that is full of uncertainty and troubles; doubts and complacency.

There is so much going on in life that it is hard to keep up with it all. So much information: so much spin; so much bull-dust. Then there is the constant push to overturn all our old ways of thinking acting and doing things. Things that have been wrong throughout history are now promoted as good and right. Even the very concept of God and his reality is being ridiculed and openly denounced in our society.

Whichever way we turn we are being hemmed in and seemingly crushed. Certainly, the future seems more and more uncertain and dark. Nothing is stable any more. Many are giving up and just living for the moment.

Now many would say that I am being negative and cynical. We need to ‘go with the flow’ and embrace the future. It is all in our hands. And more.

However, when we are prepared to open our eyes and watch carefully we can see that things are far from being as rosy as many would like to think. Also, when we look to God and his Word then we are left in no doubt as to the perilous future that is before us.

God is very clear about the fact that he is coming back to judge the world and then take those who are faithful to join him in his eternal paradise. All who look to him and the help and hope that he extends to us through Jesus Christ will have a sure and certain future in front of them, irrespective.

The point is made here that God and his Word here can be relied on. It will not pass away. When everything else is gone there is only going to be one thing left that can be trusted. We need to hear this point loud and clear, at this time when God’s Word is ridiculed, changed and ignored. The Bible in its entirety is God’s divinely inspired, written and inerrant Word.

No matter what we think, this Word alone stands secure and immovable. Even when churches, and even notable theologians and pastors, change, and wilfully misinterpret it, it does not change. When we think that we can take seriously and believe only that which suits our own way of thinking, this Word in its entirety is still the only truth.

So, no matter what we might think, what God tells is what is right and true; whether it suits our thinking or not. When God say the end will come; the end will come. What he says with regard to whether we get to go to heaven or not it is what he says in his Word that will be the criteria that is used, no matter what we might like to think. He has a lot to say in this regard, that is very clear. So, Be on guard! Be alert!

Here remember that this world is coming to an end sooner or later. Jesus makes it quite clear here that we don’t and won’t know when that will take place, but it will happen. He also tells us here, that the lead up to it will not be very nice. There will be traumatic events take place.

Elsewhere he tells us there will be a great falling away from the Church in the lead up to these things. People will disregard his Word and seek instead what their itching ears want here. There will be many who will get so caught up in the things of this world, that they will take there focus and reliance away from Jesus Christ and the importance of his death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. In so doing they may very well lose out on that which is most important of all.

Then on that last Day He tells us, he will come in all his glory and he will judge the living and the dead; and he will use his Word, what we have in the Bible, as his criteria in making his judgements. There will be no escaping. Without trust in Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that he has made possible we will be in trouble.

Now, the temptation for us all is to think that we still have time. These major catastrophes are not here yet. The end could be years away. But here we are reminded that we do not know the day or the hour. That also applies to our own personal lives. None of us know how much longer we have here on this earth. We may be dead before this day is out, through an accident or whatever.

So, this then would be our last day; our last change to be ready and certain of our eternal future. We need to Be on guard! Be alert! We do not know when it will be. So, every day; every moment, we must live as if it is our last.

“Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.  What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

With all of this in mind then, let us begin this new church year with this sobering reminder. Let each of us continually watch and pray. Let each of us seek God’s help to ever stay close to him; looking to and trusting in him alone. Let us encourage one another to be regular in our worship so that we do not lose sight of the wonders of God in Christ Jesus.

More than anything else we need to be ever surrounded by our Lord Jesus. Yes, remember that we of ourselves are deeply sinful and self-centred, and so cannot make it through life on our own strength and effort. In recognising the absolute unworthiness that we are will ever keep us looking to Jesus and his death on the cross for our hope and our life each and every day. It will stop us from being complacent in our attitude toward our Lord and in our regular gathering in his presence.

Then as we gather week by week here in his presence he will constantly reassure us of the forgiveness of sins that he has won for us so that we can be sure that heaven awaits us. In fact, as we gather at the altar rail he already is joining us to his heavenly banquet and all the host of heaven. In this way we are ever kept mindful of and close to Jesus Christ and the sure hope that he has for us. In this way we are kept ever watchful.

Also, as we gather with him around his Word, we are encouraged to heed all that it says, so that we are kept on our guard and ever alert. In this way he keeps us from getting caught up in complacency and the dangers of being led astray, that are ever before us and around us. It is so easy today to think, just giving a little here and a little there is not going to hurt us. Yet God’s Word clearly tells us that is not the case.

As we are constantly bombarded by so much that seek to take our focus away from the centrality of Jesus, we need to be ever alert. The devil is working hard at the moment turning our focus away from this central message. Even in the churches he is turning our focus to ourselves and what we think and do. Thereby we need to be ever watchful and on our guard.

The end is nigh. We know not when. But we know the dangers of it coming sooner than we might long to think. The signs all around us in our society are not good. And God’s tells us that many will be caught out sleeping, and will lose out altogether. So, watch!

So. listen again to what our Lord tells us here.

Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

To him be all glory and honour, now and always. AMEN

Pastor Roger Atze

Glandore Underdale Lutheran Parish